WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

The Devil Rays drafted Reid as a draft-eligible sophomore. He threw an 88-92 mph fastball, along with a changeup and slider. He had very good K rates in the low minors, but not so much since he reached AA. The Pirates signed him as a minor league free agent in November 2012. By 2013 his fastball was sitting at about 92 as a reliever and his slider was serving as his second pitch. He was throwing only occasional changeups.

2006A-: 1-9-0, 6.24 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 53.1 IP, 4.0 BB/9, 7.3 K/9

Reid struggled as a starter in his short season debut.

2007A: 6-5-10, 2.97 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 72.2 IP, 3.0 BB/9, 11.5 K/9

The Rays moved Reid to the bullpen in low A and he was much more effective.

Reid opened the season in the Indianapolis bullpen and had an outstanding first half. When the Pirates had burned up their bullpen at the beginning of June, they called Reid up. He spent a month in the majors and pitched very well, even picking up a save, albeit of the three-inning variety. When the Pirates sent him back to AAA, he suddenly became a different pitcher. His first and second half numbers form a stark contrast:

Half

ERA

IP

BB

K

OAVG

1st

0.89

40.1

12

35

.169

2nd

6.63

19.0

10

21

.321

Reid’s second half struggles probably cost him a September callup. On the AAA season as a whole he was an extreme groundball pitcher, with a ground out to air out ratio of 3.33. He held left-handed hitters to a lower average, but they hit with much more power than right-handed hitters. His line against the former was 213/312/389, against the latter 232/287/285.

The fact that the Pirates didn’t call Reid up in September, especially after he pitched so well during his callup, might indicate that his roster spot will be in jeopardy after the season. On the other hand, he has two options left, which gives them a good deal of flexibility. You have to wonder whether he was healthy, or just worn out, during the second half. If he’s still with the team in 2014, he’s a good bet to open at Indianapolis.

UPDATE: The Pirates designated Reid for assignment to clear roster space after they signed Edinson Volquez and Clint Barmes.

June 7, 2006: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 7th round, 199th overall pick; signed on June 13.November 6, 2006: Became a free agent.November 9, 2012: Signed as a minor league free with the Pittsburgh Pirates.June 2, 2013: Contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates.December 13, 2013: Designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates.